The Dallas Cowboys have done it again. For the seventh year running, Sportico has crowned "America's Team" as the most valuable franchise in the NFL—and in all of sports—with a staggering valuation of $15.5 billion.
The latest numbers, released Wednesday, show that the Cowboys' brand continues to be a financial juggernaut, far outpacing the rest of the league. The Los Angeles Rams follow at $12.7 billion, with the New York Giants ($12 billion), New England Patriots ($10.4 billion), and New York Jets ($10.35 billion) rounding out the top five.
But it's not just the Cowboys that are seeing their worth skyrocket. According to Sportico, the average NFL team value has jumped by 31% over the past year—the biggest year-over-year increase since the publication started tracking valuations in 2020. The league's 32 franchises are now collectively worth a whopping $299 billion, including real estate and related businesses.
The Cowboys' financial dominance is a testament to owner Jerry Jones' business acumen. As ESPN's Adam Schefter noted, "Jerry Jones' franchise has been the most valuable franchise in sports in every iteration of Sportico's valuations." That's a remarkable streak that shows no signs of slowing down.
Of course, all this financial firepower comes with high expectations on the field. The Cowboys have faced criticism in recent years for their postseason shortcomings, and the pressure is mounting. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer is already feeling the heat, as he's been working to overhaul practice to fix a 'soft' defense. Meanwhile, Jones himself has admitted to feeling personal pressure ahead of what many see as a make-or-break 2026 season.
There's also been talk of the Cowboys potentially bringing in new investors. Stephen Jones, the team's executive vice president and Jerry's son, has opened the door to selling a minority stake in the franchise—a move that could further boost its already astronomical value.
While the Cowboys' valuation is impressive, it's part of a larger trend in sports. The Los Angeles Lakers, for example, are reportedly being sold for $12.5 billion, setting a record for an NBA franchise sale. That deal is still pending league approval, but it underscores the soaring value of professional sports teams across the board.
For Cowboys fans, the off-field wins are nice, but the real prize is a Super Bowl. As the team gears up for the 2026 season, the message from the front office is clear: it's Super Bowl or nothing. With the franchise's value hitting new heights, the expectations have never been higher.
